Letter: State theft of child should alarm all

Posted
Friday, April 11, 2014 10:12 pm

Letter to the Editor

To the editor of THE EAGLE:

Am I my brother’s keeper? Do I as an individual have the responsibility to extend a helping hand to one who is being abused by the legal system and has been singled out for immoral and unconstitutional treatment? Not really, say some, for it does not affect me, but I ask them to reconsider. What may not affect me today, may tomorrow.

This is a story one many expect to come out of China or North Korea, but it is not, it is happening here in the U.S. and it had its beginnings in Boston. It is the story of 16-year-old Justina Pelletier, who has been diagnosed with a rare disease. When her doctor in Connec-
ticut went to Boston Children’s Hospital, her parents took her there when she was taken ill. The hospital, in conjunction with law authorities, stole her away from her family because they disagreed with the original diagnosis. Justina has been placed under state care permanently, and her health has deteriorated to the point where she may be dying.

Her parents have seen her for only one supervised visit per week, when allowed, for more than a year. She is not able to have the family priest visit. Even convicted criminals are treated better.

Hopefully, some judge with a brain and a little common sense will intervene, but in the meantime, I strongly encourage readers to contact their state representative and pressure the governor to take the action necessary to return this young lady to her family while there is still time.

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